Go to Good Samaritan Society – Millard in Nebraska and you’ll quickly learn the “go-to” person in this center is medication aide Janisea Shields.
“I love it,” Janisea says. “I enjoy putting a smile on somebody’s face. Even if it’s one person, at least that one person can spread the next joy to the next person. It’s like a domino effect."
Always ducking in and out of different roles, the 34-year-old is the "Janisea of all trades." Happy to help wherever there’s a need.
“It’s never a no, it’s always a yes. I’ve always looked at it as when you’re uncomfortable, that means you’re growing,” Janisea says.
Administrator Nick Norby considers Janisea indispensable.
“She’s a true leader in the facility,” says Nick, who taps Janisea to train new hires. “Starting as a food nutrition assistant, she’s helped out there. She’s helped out as a CNA. She transitioned over to medication aide. She is a fountain of knowledge that she shares with everyone that comes into this building."
Resident Virginia Pickett adds she is "very good. She’s conscientious and she does a good job, and she helps other people quite a bit."
'It can make a difference'
A Society caregiver for eight years, Janisea is now pursuing a nursing degree.
“I’m kind of nervous a little bit because it’s out of my comfort zone,” Janisea says. “Being here made me want to be a nurse and make a difference and do something crazy. You can do a lot of things with (a nursing degree), which I love kids. Kids and old people."
Whether it’s pediatrics or geriatrics, being of service is the goal.
“Bringing compassion forward, following God’s love and showing that to all the residents,” Nick says.
Following in the footsteps of her grandma Barbara, a visiting nurse, is the dream.
“I feel like when I leave this world, I did exactly what my grandmother did," Janisea says. "She was always that kindhearted person. She’ll give the clothes off her back if that’s all she had, you know.
“It can make a difference."
